Big lakes, small lakes and even rivers. Wherever you fish, you’re likely to encounter docks and boat houses … and bass. (Shutterstock image)
June 02, 2021
By Glenn Walker
While many baits work well around or beneath docks, there are a handful that have proven very effective for me over the years. These baits vary a bit in terms of style and purpose, but all have features that make them well suited for this scenario.
Here's a quick look at 5 effective baits for catching summer bass around docks and boat houses.
BUZZER BEATER War Eagle Buzz Toad The War Eagle Buzz Toad 3/8-ounce ($6.59; lurenet.com ) has a unique head shape, and the soft-plastic frog trailer has feet that impart excellent action. Skip this bait under boat docks or fish it next to edges and in and around nearby cover.
HAMMER TIME Z-Man JackHammer
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The Z-Man JackHammer 3/8-ounce ($15.99; zmanfishing.com ) delivers maximum vibration, while its head and blade shape help it deflect off cover and skip under docks easily.
JIG JAB All-Terrain Tackle Rattling A.T. Jig An all-around staple for bass anglers, the All-Terrain Tackle Rattling A.T. Jig ($4.79; allterraintackle.com ) is a super- dependable dock offering. I play with a variety of Zoom soft plastic trailers. The Super Chunk, Super Chunk Jr. and a Z-Craw Jr. each offer a different action and profile for bass.
TEXAS TRIO Zoom Z-Craw
Take a Zoom Z-Craw ($3.99/8; zoombait.com ) and Texas-rig it on a 5/0 TroKar TK133 Pro-V Bend Flippin’ Hook ($7.99/6; eagleclaw. com) behind a 7/16-ounce tungsten weight. The result is a fish-catching machine around docks. Set up this way, the bait’s heavy enough you can pitch it through dock openings to shaded areas, but not so heavy that it makes a big splash entering the water.
WACKY WONDER Zoom Fluke Stick Jr. For more finesse presentations, or for shallow-water fishing, consider a Zoom Fluke Stick Jr. ($4.39/10; zoombait.com ) or Zoom Zlinky ($4.59/10; zoombait.com ) wacky- rigged on a 2/0 TroKar TK137 Pro-V Bend Finesse Hook ($5.99/6; eagleclaw.com ). If bass are feeding on shad around boat docks, I’ll use the Fluke Stick Jr., as its shad-shaped fork tail offers a unique action.
